Who Could Use Melvin Mora?

Melvin Mora is still a pretty good third baseman, tied for tenth best in baseball in 2005 according to WARP.  He enters his age 34 season with free agency looming.  Mora set a deadline for today for the Orioles to work out a contract extension with him, but Orioles VP Jim Duquette is pretty much ignoring that.  Reports say Mora wants $10MM annually, but there is no indication on a number of years.

Mora will make just $4MM in 2006, and he should be worth about twice that.  He can only hope he ages like Jeff Kent, one of his top comparables according to Baseball Prospectus.  Kent, so far, has been quite productive during his age 34-37 seasons, hitting .298/.362/.531 over 576 games.  That included 115 HRs.

I wouldn't say the Orioles and Mora's agent are at an impasse yet, but one can at least envision a scenario in which Mora is placed on the trading block between now and July 31st.  If the Orioles don't want to hang on to him, they'd be wise to try to get some value before he leaves.

Here's a rundown of teams that have questions at third base and could be looking reinforcements at some point.  While it's true that Mora is capable of playing outfield, we'll stick to the hot corner.

Red Sox:  They have the depth to cover a complete Mike Lowell collapse.  But if the team wants to upgrade from Youkilis/Choi at the corners, Mora would add dependability.  Of course, we all know that deals between division rivals are rare.

Twins:  Michael Cuddyer still might be ready for Opening Day despite a strained oblique.  He's the fallback option for Tony Batista, assuming Jason Kubel and/or Lew Ford can handle right field.  Batista isn't off to a great start this year and he's anything but a lock.  Mora's affordable salary would be attractive to Terry Ryan, though he'd have to part with some young pitching to him.

Braves:  Moving Chipper Jones to first and acquiring Mora for third base would be a huge net gain for the Braves' offense and defense.  It would also help keep Chipper healthy.  I don't see it happening, but it's worth noting.

Phillies:  The Phils could really, really use a solid third baseman right now.  The hot corner is easily the offense's weak spot.  There have been whispers that David Bell is mulling over retirement, according to Will Carroll.

Comments

[Kyle]

I feel like the Phillies and Twins would be the most likely to do that deal although there is an issue with both. Do the twins want to trading pitching for a guy that next year they will not be able to afford? and do the Phillies have enough to trade to get Mora?

I say he probably plays out the year does what he always does .280-.300 BA 20-30 HR and 70-90 RBI

[Nick]

Just wanted to mention-There is a report that David Ortiz has signed a 4 year 50 million dollar extension,the report was in spanish so i did my best to translate it.I hope the report is true.

[RumorMonger]

Got a link Nick? I can translate it.

[Nick]

Here's the link-http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/news/story?id=424165

[Nick]

There was also a report that the Red Sox tryed to Reaquire Bronson Arroyo.
http://www.manchesterjournal.com/headlines/ci_3659526

[Nick]

I think the Arroyo thing is way off base.

[philsphan]

I haven't heard anything about Bell and retirement until now.

Monger, can you provide a link?

[darkstar]

Why would the Braves consider trading for a third baseman after unloading what was the #1 3B prospect because of Chippers desire to play the possition?

Chipper moving to first seems unlikely to me. But even if he was willing to make the switch, would Atl not have been better off playing Jones at first and Marte at third?

[RumorMonger]

Sure, I'm just saying that since that has been done, if they were to realize the error of their ways Mora would be a good move.

[RumorMonger]

http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=4914

"Some are saying that David Bell is so frustrated that he’s considering walking away from the game."

[scatterbrian]

Cleveland seems logical. One-year stopgap giving Marte another season in AAA.

[Kyle]

I dont think Marte needs a season in triple A he will probably be up with the big club by June

[scatterbrian]

you're right, Marte may not need another full season down there....but with Mora you can ease him in, not to mention shift Mora to left field once Michaels is proven to be a fourth outfielder....

[darkstar]

The Indians have no room for him.

There is currently two Major League 3B in Cle, so finding playing time for both of them will be hard enough as it is. If Marte is ready soon, Boone switching to 1st to replace Boussard is possible, or to the outfield to replace the lest productive of Blake & Michaels; but the last thing they need is one more person tossed into the situation.

[darkstar]

BTW, any info on the Brandon Phillips situation RumorMonger?

I hear some of the interested teams are Boston,Tampa Bay, Baltimore, Washington and Colorado. ANy truth to this that you know of?

Also, when he is moved, what kind of return should be expected?

[Devlsh]

Mora used to play all over the place; can he still play the outfield, specifically leftfield? I wouldn't be surprised if the Cardinals showed some interest. Their current candidates are uninspiring, Mora's salary is palatable, and Melvin would serve as solid insurance if Rolen has any setbacks or additional injuries.

[monster]

i met brandon phillips last year, lacked charisma.

i think mora is way underrated. 10th best 3B in baseball? gotta be better than that.

[Oriolefan]

The Washington Post is reporting that Melvin Mora dropped his demand to 3/27.

[RumorMonger]

Still too much

[anthony]

if i was the cardinals, i would be making calls about ryan church right now. he would be a great pickup for them.